SIA to get high-tech IFE system on new aircraft

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has signed an agreement for Panasonic Avionic to fit over 40 of its ordered aircraft with inflight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems.

Panasonic Avionic will supply IFEC systems for SIA’s 15 A330-300s and eight B777-300ERs due to start being delivered next year, as well as the 20 A350s that are due for delivery in 2014.

It will launch its new eX3 system on the A350s, and also deliver some of the eX3 features on the B777-300ERs

While SIA will not yet reveal exactly what the new system will offer, they said it has the capability to provide passengers with high-speed broadband internet access through the seat back or their mobile devices, and could also potentially allow passengers to watch live television broadcasts while they are flying and use mobile phone services.

The airline said the system would feature an e-library of books and magazines, but did not yet give details about what this would contain.

SIA said that it would also offer some social networking functions, which might include the option of chatting between seats and posting comments on movies while you are watching them.

The airline said that ahead of the introduction of the new systems it would also be enhancing its existing systems with a wider range of programmes, new games, and possible hardware upgrades. To read about some of the recent IFE upgrades that have already been made, click here and here.